Device for coupling the drum supporting arms in linen washing machines and the like

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a device for coupling the drum supporting arms in linen washing machines and the like, comprising a metal tubular element, which can be engaged in each of the plurality of resilient material bush elements arranged at the ends of an arm for supporting the drum or basket in a linen washing machine and the like. The projecting ends of the tubular element engage in holes defined on arms of a supporting bracket, the tubular element having an outward turned edge for clamping to the supporting bracket.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a coupling device for coupling the drum supporting arms in linen washing machines and the like.

As is known, the drum or basket of linen washing machines is conventionally supported by supporting arms which are connected, at their end portions, respectively, to the washing machine drum and body.

To provide the connection, the supporting arms are provided, at their end portions, with respective resiliently yieldable material bush elements, for example made of rubber or the like, in which is engaged a first tubular element and, then, a second tubular element or inner rivet, allowing each end portion of an arm to be clamped to a respective bracket.

As it should be apparent, such a connection method is rather expensive, because of the high number of connection devices to be used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the aim of the present invention is to overcome the above mentioned problem, by providing a coupling device for coupling the drum supporting arms in a linen washing machine and the like, allowing to reduce the component elements, while simplifying all the coupling operations.

Within the scope of the above mentioned aim, a main object of the invention is to provide such a coupling device adapted to provide an optimum locking of the components, while reducing their number, and consequently reducing the suspended weights, with a self-obvious advantage in operating the linen washing machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a coupling device which is very reliable and safe in operation.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a coupling device, for coupling the drum supporting arms in a linen washing machine and the like, which can be easily made and which, moreover, is very competitive from a mere economic standpoint.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the above mentioned aim and objects, as well as yet other objects, which will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a coupling device for coupling the drum supporting arms in a linen washing machine and the like, characterized in that said coupling device comprises a metal tubular element engageable in each of a plurality of resilient material bush elements arranged at the end portions of a drum supporting arm in a linen washing machine and the like, said tubular element having projecting ends engaging in holes defined on the arms of the supporting bracket, said tubular element having outward directed radially extending projections, for clamping to said supporting bracket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent hereinafter from the following detailed disclosure of a preferred, though not exclusive, embodiment of the coupling device for coupling the drum supporting arms in linen washing machines and the like, which is illustrated, by way of an indicative, but not limitative example, in the accompanying drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view illustrating the coupling device according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows the coupling device with a deforming punch element engaged in its tubular element for deforming said tubular element;

FIG. 3 schematically shows the punch element in an engaged or inserted condition thereof;

FIG. 4 shows an operating step for withdrawing the punch element;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the coupling device, and clearly shows the upturned edge portion thereof clamping said device to the supporting bracket; and

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view showing the coupling device according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to the number references of the above mentioned figures, the coupling device for coupling the drum supporting arms in a linen washing machine and the like, comprises a metal tubular element 1, which is pressure engaged in each of the plurality of bush elements 2, made of a resilient material, and arranged at the end portions of a drum supporting arms 3.

Said tubular element 1 comprises projecting end portions engaging in respective holes 4 formed on the arms 5 of a supporting bracket 6, designed for coupling the drum supporting arms respectively to the washing machine drum or basket and to the body or framework of the washing machine.

A main feature of the invention is that the coupling is performed by a single metal tubular element 1 which is deformed at its end portions by a deforming punch element 10, having ridges 11 radially projecting therefrom and circumferentially arranged.

More specifically, said ridges 11 end with an annular abutment 12, made by the punch element 10.

Thus, the engagement or introduction of the punch element 10 will cause a radial deforming 20 which is circumferentially distributed, thereby providing a plurality of outward projecting grooves 21, to firmly locate the tubular element 1 with respect to the bush 2.

More specifically, said grooves 21 extend through the overall length of the metal tubular element or a portion thereof, thereby properly clamping it on the clamping bracket.

From the above disclosure it should be apparent that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects.

In fact, the invention provides very stable and efficient clamping, with a great economic saving, since a single tubular element is used therein.

The invention, as disclosed, is susceptible to several modifications and variations, all of which will come within the scope of the invention.

Moreover, all the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

In practicing the invention, the used materials, as well as the contingent size and shapes, can be any, depending on requirements. 

1. A coupling device for coupling a plurality of drum supporting arms in a linen washing machine, characterized in that said coupling device comprises a metal tubular element engageable in each of a plurality of resilient material bush elements, each said bush element being arranged at a respective end portion of a said drum supporting arm, said tubular element having projecting ends engaging in holes formed on arms of the supporting bracket, said tubular element having outward projecting grooves for clamping with said supporting bracket.
 2. A coupling device, according to claim 1, characterized in that said coupling device provides to use a punch element having a plurality of radially extending circumferentially distributed ridges, extending for an axial length.
 3. A coupling device, according to claim 1, characterized in that said coupling device comprises a single tubular element and that said coupling device has a weight less than that of a conventional coupling device. 